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ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Keeper in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book is what I like to call a "slow burn". It started off at a steady pace and continued at a steady pace until the end where it exploded into an awesome end.
The book starts off introducing the Lainey and her "sidekick" which is referred to often in the book, and who I personally adore - I don't know what it is with me and the side characters in books but damn she's just so awesome I can't help myself.
The book progresses into learning about the Lainey's past and her role as being the Keeper of the Grimoire - reminded me truly of Charmed and their protection of the Book of Shadows and that's one of my favourite shows of all time - and then we learn about all the twists and turns of Lainey's past (spoilers upon spoilers so no mention here) but some twists, some turns, some predictable spots but overall exciting.
The one liners in this book are epic - by one liners I mean solid laugh out loud lines that I just had to re-read multiple times for more chuckles before I moved on because they were that entertaining. I did not think this book would have that much humor in it and I absolutely adored that! SUPER AWESOME.
I definitely recommend this book - I don't read much about witches, etc. this had a plethora of supernatural beings in it which is exciting and I definitely think it's set up for another book - at least I hope so, I'd read more of this world.
The book starts off introducing the Lainey and her "sidekick" which is referred to often in the book, and who I personally adore - I don't know what it is with me and the side characters in books but damn she's just so awesome I can't help myself.
The book progresses into learning about the Lainey's past and her role as being the Keeper of the Grimoire - reminded me truly of Charmed and their protection of the Book of Shadows and that's one of my favourite shows of all time - and then we learn about all the twists and turns of Lainey's past (spoilers upon spoilers so no mention here) but some twists, some turns, some predictable spots but overall exciting.
The one liners in this book are epic - by one liners I mean solid laugh out loud lines that I just had to re-read multiple times for more chuckles before I moved on because they were that entertaining. I did not think this book would have that much humor in it and I absolutely adored that! SUPER AWESOME.
I definitely recommend this book - I don't read much about witches, etc. this had a plethora of supernatural beings in it which is exciting and I definitely think it's set up for another book - at least I hope so, I'd read more of this world.
JT (287 KP) rated The Drop (2014) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
A brooding English debut feature from Michaël R. Roskam who cooks up a simmering pot of dramatic intrigue.
Tom Hardy plays Bob Saginowski a quiet unimposing figure who helps to tend the bar of his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini‘s last film before he sadly passed away). The bar is the main dropping off point for all money collected from mob owned businesses. The location of the bar changes each night.
When the bar is held up the money stolen belongs to the Chechen mob who want it back putting Bob and Marv in a tight spot. The setting is the streets of Brooklyn where age old mafioso have been replaced by a more brutal foe. In this instance in the form of the Chechen mob.
One night Bob finds a puppy in a bin and upon rescuing it meets Nadia (Noomi Rapace) who has a hidden past of her own, one that Bob refuses to question. The puppy will certainly tug at your heart strings but it’s Hardy’s spot on Brooklyn accent and good natured personality that wins through. Even when he’s harassed by Matthias Schoenaerts’s Eric Deeds he remains calm.
Deep down however we known that something inside him is going to snap, it’s just trying to predict the moment when it will happen. This makes for an engaging thriller with a twist ending that is more than satisfying.
The Drop is a slow burn that builds from the outset. It’s great to see Gandolfini on screen one last time and such a disappointment that he is no longer with us.
Tom Hardy plays Bob Saginowski a quiet unimposing figure who helps to tend the bar of his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini‘s last film before he sadly passed away). The bar is the main dropping off point for all money collected from mob owned businesses. The location of the bar changes each night.
When the bar is held up the money stolen belongs to the Chechen mob who want it back putting Bob and Marv in a tight spot. The setting is the streets of Brooklyn where age old mafioso have been replaced by a more brutal foe. In this instance in the form of the Chechen mob.
One night Bob finds a puppy in a bin and upon rescuing it meets Nadia (Noomi Rapace) who has a hidden past of her own, one that Bob refuses to question. The puppy will certainly tug at your heart strings but it’s Hardy’s spot on Brooklyn accent and good natured personality that wins through. Even when he’s harassed by Matthias Schoenaerts’s Eric Deeds he remains calm.
Deep down however we known that something inside him is going to snap, it’s just trying to predict the moment when it will happen. This makes for an engaging thriller with a twist ending that is more than satisfying.
The Drop is a slow burn that builds from the outset. It’s great to see Gandolfini on screen one last time and such a disappointment that he is no longer with us.
Bearskin: A Novel
Book
“Bearskin is visceral, raw, and compelling—filled with sights, smells, and sounds truly...
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Lie (2020) in Movies
Nov 18, 2020
To sum up The Lie in one word - frustrating.
This recent thriller from Blumhouse, based on 2015 German film Wir Monster, has a lot of good ingredients, and some decent performances but there's just so much that bogs it down.
First off, the lead cast here are great. Peter Sarsgaard and Mireille Enos in particular are heart wrenchingly believable as two parents desperately trying to protect their teen daughter (Joey King) who has confessed to impulsively murdering one of her friends. It's a slow burn of a plot, and Sarsgaard and Enos do a hell of a lot to make it watchable.
Joey King's character is stupidly unlikable however. I got the feeling that we as the audience were supposed to be on her side, hoping that she wouldn't get caught - like the filmmakers we're going for a Psycho vibe or something, but her character is so obnoxious and spoilt, that all I wanted was for her to go to prison. It's a big hiccup considering the narrative centres around her so severely.
Then there's the twist - no spoilers here, but fuck me, it's stupid. All good thrillers need a good twist to round things off, but the one we're subjected to here requires a huge suspension of disbelief on the viewers part. It asks too much, and ruins what is otherwise a fairly tense and minimalist thriller.
The snowy setting adds some beauty to the films aesthetic, but it's not enough to detract from everything that makes The Lie more unenjoyable than it should be.
This recent thriller from Blumhouse, based on 2015 German film Wir Monster, has a lot of good ingredients, and some decent performances but there's just so much that bogs it down.
First off, the lead cast here are great. Peter Sarsgaard and Mireille Enos in particular are heart wrenchingly believable as two parents desperately trying to protect their teen daughter (Joey King) who has confessed to impulsively murdering one of her friends. It's a slow burn of a plot, and Sarsgaard and Enos do a hell of a lot to make it watchable.
Joey King's character is stupidly unlikable however. I got the feeling that we as the audience were supposed to be on her side, hoping that she wouldn't get caught - like the filmmakers we're going for a Psycho vibe or something, but her character is so obnoxious and spoilt, that all I wanted was for her to go to prison. It's a big hiccup considering the narrative centres around her so severely.
Then there's the twist - no spoilers here, but fuck me, it's stupid. All good thrillers need a good twist to round things off, but the one we're subjected to here requires a huge suspension of disbelief on the viewers part. It asks too much, and ruins what is otherwise a fairly tense and minimalist thriller.
The snowy setting adds some beauty to the films aesthetic, but it's not enough to detract from everything that makes The Lie more unenjoyable than it should be.
The Hunter (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #1)
10.0
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Book
Forced to flee her uncle's palace in the dead of night in order to save her own life, Duchess...
Epic Fantasy Fantasy Romance
A Deal with the Elf King (Married to Magic, #1)
8.0
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Book
The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death. Three-thousand...
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Black Hearted (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded #2) in Books
Oct 23, 2023
BLACK HEARTED is the second book in the Black Knights Inc: Reloaded series. I haven't read the first book in this series but I don't feel as though it impacted me greatly, although I do believe it would have been better if I had read it.
Sam thinks of Hannah as the thirteen-year-old little sister to his ex-girlfriend, not realising that she is now twenty-nine, with thoughts and dreams of her own. It doesn't help that most of those dreams revolve around Sam, the childhood crush she never grew out of. Hannah walks away at one time (presumably after the first book finishes) but some time down the line, she needs Sam's help. Hannah has been framed and is classed as a traitor. She goes to the one person she knows will help her.
I found this story to be both fast-paced and also slow-burn, as the multitude of events and miscommunications built up. Told from the third person, you hear from Sam and Hannah, but I loved the snippets from Eliza and Fisher. And the poetry quotes were exceedingly well chosen.
A story filled with terrorism, hacking, love, and miscommunication. If these things float your boat, then I can definitely recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 23, 2023
Sam thinks of Hannah as the thirteen-year-old little sister to his ex-girlfriend, not realising that she is now twenty-nine, with thoughts and dreams of her own. It doesn't help that most of those dreams revolve around Sam, the childhood crush she never grew out of. Hannah walks away at one time (presumably after the first book finishes) but some time down the line, she needs Sam's help. Hannah has been framed and is classed as a traitor. She goes to the one person she knows will help her.
I found this story to be both fast-paced and also slow-burn, as the multitude of events and miscommunications built up. Told from the third person, you hear from Sam and Hannah, but I loved the snippets from Eliza and Fisher. And the poetry quotes were exceedingly well chosen.
A story filled with terrorism, hacking, love, and miscommunication. If these things float your boat, then I can definitely recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 23, 2023
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Outlaw Witch (Enchanted Bargains #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2023
OUTLAW WITCH is the first book in the Enchanted Bargains series and it's a slow-burn, action-packed urban fantasy why choose story.
The FMC, Silver, is living on the outskirts of town, where no one really wants to be, with her found family. She has a terrible sense of direction which is how she meets Zeph, the first of the MMCs. Roscoe, the second MMC, "rescues" her from a fire. They both want her to help their friend, Fabian, who is under a blood curse and the third MMC. Throw in someone who knows who she was and it's non-stop.
I loved the set-up of this book, showing the different groups, as well as the different personalities. I would have preferred to know more about Zeph and Roscoe, as well as Rook, Ember, etc. but I guess you can't have everything in one book. I also want to see more of Silver's magic. It didn't feel as though she actually used much of it here. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book.
The ending is a doozy. Cliffhanger Alert!!! It will definitely leave you wanting more. A great start to a new series, and one I look forward to continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 14, 2023
The FMC, Silver, is living on the outskirts of town, where no one really wants to be, with her found family. She has a terrible sense of direction which is how she meets Zeph, the first of the MMCs. Roscoe, the second MMC, "rescues" her from a fire. They both want her to help their friend, Fabian, who is under a blood curse and the third MMC. Throw in someone who knows who she was and it's non-stop.
I loved the set-up of this book, showing the different groups, as well as the different personalities. I would have preferred to know more about Zeph and Roscoe, as well as Rook, Ember, etc. but I guess you can't have everything in one book. I also want to see more of Silver's magic. It didn't feel as though she actually used much of it here. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book.
The ending is a doozy. Cliffhanger Alert!!! It will definitely leave you wanting more. A great start to a new series, and one I look forward to continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 14, 2023
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Tentacles Rock (Tinsel and Tentacles) in Books
Dec 8, 2023
TENTACLES ROCK is part of the multi-author Tinsel & Tentacles series. In this one, we are in a world where preternaturals are reclaiming the word monster! Nereus is an Octopus who retains his tentacles when he is in human form. He is working in a restaurant to help him take over his father's restaurant back home. Rick is a guitarist in a well-known band who supports preternaturals. He is also in a slump, unable to find what he is looking for, until he finds Nereus. Together, these two find what they didn't know they were looking for in each other.
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest as the pages turned. The relationship between Nereus and Rick was a sort of fast-paced slow-burn. The timing jumped a couple of weeks at one point, where I would have liked to have seen their relationship grow even further. Don't get me wrong, it did grow. These two were adorable on the streets, and hot in the sheets. I guess I'm just greedy in wanting every moment of their time.
I loved the epilogue at the end that rounded off their story nicely. I would happily return to this world and this author's work. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinions. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2023
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest as the pages turned. The relationship between Nereus and Rick was a sort of fast-paced slow-burn. The timing jumped a couple of weeks at one point, where I would have liked to have seen their relationship grow even further. Don't get me wrong, it did grow. These two were adorable on the streets, and hot in the sheets. I guess I'm just greedy in wanting every moment of their time.
I loved the epilogue at the end that rounded off their story nicely. I would happily return to this world and this author's work. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinions. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2023
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Wisdom Check (Dungeons and Dating #2) in Books
Dec 15, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
WISDOM CHECK is the second book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and this time we focus on Cal, one side of the triangle of owners and the recent divorcee from his ice-queen horror of an ex-wife. And then there's Julien, head chef of the Tabletop Tavern, who's had a long-term crush on his boss but is too busy being responsible for his own family to do anything about it.
The relationship between Julien and Cal is slow-burn, to begin with. My word, the number of near-misses had me ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. But then, THEN, they make a move and holy moly, it's hot. I loved their relationship, even with Julien's martyr tendencies.
We learn more about Cal's past, with his family and his ex-wife, and it leaves me loving his found family even more. I did enjoy hearing about Cal's mum though. There is always a chance... if you're lucky!
I really enjoyed the first book and was glad to see Roxie and Mel here, but I LOVED this one. Now, I just need to wait for Mase and Hunter's story. *Imagine me jumping up and down, all excited.*
Another winner from Ms McIntyre and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 15, 2021
The relationship between Julien and Cal is slow-burn, to begin with. My word, the number of near-misses had me ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. But then, THEN, they make a move and holy moly, it's hot. I loved their relationship, even with Julien's martyr tendencies.
We learn more about Cal's past, with his family and his ex-wife, and it leaves me loving his found family even more. I did enjoy hearing about Cal's mum though. There is always a chance... if you're lucky!
I really enjoyed the first book and was glad to see Roxie and Mel here, but I LOVED this one. Now, I just need to wait for Mase and Hunter's story. *Imagine me jumping up and down, all excited.*
Another winner from Ms McIntyre and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 15, 2021